Tips for Good Health During the Winter

The dark and dreary days of winter can be made even more unpleasant by symptoms of cold and flu. SW Portland, Oregon dentists Dr. Todd Beck and Dr. Jacob Morrow at South Waterfront Dental want to help patients of all ages feel good during these cold winter months and have provided the following tips!

Drink Wisely

A healthy diet is the first defense against illnesses of all kinds. And while we often focus on the kinds of foods we’re eating, it’s important not to forget that what we eat is just as important to our health.

Even though it’s cold outside and we’re fighting to stay warm, it’s important to drink as much water as possible. Dry winter weather can lead to dehydration even though it’s cold. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day also naturally helps to clean teeth and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in our mouths, washing away food particles and helping to keep our mouths cleaner and fresher.

If cold water is too much to bear in this weather, consider hot water or herbal tea to help get enough hydration throughout the day. Stay away from alcohol and sugary drinks, which can only hasten dehydration and negatively effect your teeth and overall health.

Give Stress the Boot

The presence of stress in our everyday lives is one of the common culprits for cold and flu systems, since it can attack our immune systems and disrupt sleep patterns. Get rid of stress by keeping a regular routine – work reasonable hours and then head home, head to bed early, and get rid of those obligations that only offer to stress you out without any benefit.

Another option is to intentionally manage stress through healthy diet and exercise. Focus on providing your body foods rich in nutrients and heartiness, such as warm winter squash, hearty stews and soups, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly to stay warm and reduce stress, walking outside or investing in a gym membership to keep your body moving.

Practice Good Habits

Consistent practice of healthy habits can go a long way toward providing good health, regardless of the time of year. These healthy habits include:

wash hands thoroughly several times throughout the day

disinfect surfaces of your home to kill germs

sneeze and cough into your shoulder or crook of your arm to avoid spreading germs